In Singapore, for example, the authorities have limited stock options to no more than 15% of outstanding shares, thus restraining the dilutive effect of options on earnings.
But last week provided an even more striking example of the pragmatic detente between the two men: after months of private conversations with the President, Lott went public with a proposal that would have the effect of restraining Social Security and other entitlements.
The saga took an unexpected turn on Feb. 16, when Manhattan Federal Court Judge Loretta Preska granted a 10-day restraining order on the ban that went into effect three days prior.